Got your bags ready?

Packing your bags is often last on the list of travel preparations, but it may warrant a little more attention! Here are some easy packing tips to make travel easier:

• Travel light! You'll avoid the risk of ruining your suitcases because of overloading. Also, consider the weight limit imposed by transportation companies (or your own limitations if you plan to carry your luggage by hand)! You can always use the extra room to bring back souvenirs.
  
  
• Personalize your suitcases. Add stickers, coloured tape or straps to your luggage so that it's easy to recognize on arrival and less likely to get mixed up. All suitcases tend to look alike.
  
  
• Learn some packing basics. In your carry-on bag, you should bring with you everything you need for one night in case your baggage is ever stolen. Keys, glasses, money, jewellery, cameras, MP3 player and other valuables should also be kept in your carry-on bag. However, pack any scissors (even the rounded type), knives, razor blades, nail files, knitting needles, etc. in the suitcase that goes in the baggage hold.
  
  

What should you do if your luggage is missing, damaged or delayed?

As soon as you realize that some or all of your luggage is missing, damaged or delayed, you must notify the carrier (air, train, etc.) right away, because most of them require that this be done within a certain period of time.

The Travel Insurance Baggage Coverage pays benefits if your luggage is stolen or damaged. It also covers the replacement of your passport, visa, driver's license or birth certificate. If your luggage is delayed, you may receive compensation to cover essentials. Baggage coverage completes the amounts provided by transportation companies.

Source: Canadian Transportation Agency and Desjardins Financial Security